Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Sheppard.
Hi Erika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
First, thank you for the opportunity. I am truly honored. I moved to Texas in the middle of the pandemic… on accident! I am from Washington, DC and I was in the process of moving into a new place. There were some roofing and AC concerns prior to moving in May 2020. If you recall, the world was pretty shut down and the landlords were having some trouble finding a contractor to complete the work. I said no problem, put my stuff in storage, and came to visit my mom who is born and raised in San Antonio.
Fast forward my place wasn’t ready to move in until November 2020 and I had already relocated by that point and decided to stay! Fast forward again to May 2021 and outside is opening again and I am in Texas with no friends outside of my mom and sister. So I posted in a Facebook group to see if anyone wanted to go to Brunch. 4 ladies showed up and we had a blast! Most of them were new to the area or wanted to meet new people as well. We took a picture and I reposted and asked if anyone else wanted to go to brunch and over 300 people responded. YES! So I created a Google Form as my initial way to collect info.
Now, I have over 600 people on the list and it is growing every day! When you sign up for an event you are referred to as a Brunch Bae. I plan a monthly Brunch and fun activity aka Date night (I am your date, no need to bring one) We have done so many fun things since the start! We have done paint and sips, pole dancing, eat at some really great restaurants. So check us out!
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook at BrunchBossTX and sign up to be on the email list to get the links first! Since starting, I have met so many amazing people and love to support local and small businesses. We are always doing giveaways and door prizes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has most definitely not been smooth! I keep the spaces limited so we can be intentional about relationship building. Getting people to show up has proven difficult. Also, finding a price point that people feel comfortable paying has been a task. Every year, I do an annual trip in August, so the first year it was a boat party at Lake Travis.
I would have liked more people to show up but I anticipate this year’s boat party to be a blast. We have a DJ, hot food, and drinks. We are on a party barge with a slide into the water. We continue to strive and overcome these challenges and take them in stride.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Brunch Boss is for anyone who is new to town… wants to try something new… wants to meet new people, recently fired all your friends, and looking for new ones.
When you sign up, you become a Brunch Bae! We do a brunch and a fun activity monthly that I call date night! I was new to Texas and didn’t know anyone so I used my organizational skills to try and meet new people. Turns out… we are all craving community. I am curating exclusive wine and dine experiences that allow people to meet. Once we arrive, we play a game to break the ice.
I try to find out things from every attendee and match them with people who have similar experiences to try and continue the conversation. We eat some yummy food and I always buy a round of mimosas for the table. We finish the brunch usually with some group pics and possibly doing a TikTok dance. Try to keep it fun and light. If you have an idea for an event… let me know and I will try to plan an event around it!
What are your plans for the future?
Future plans for Brunch Boss are to be a nationwide brand! Hosting branches in all major cities. Dec. 19, 2021, I hosted the first Brunch in Washington, DC and it was amazing! Next stops… Atlanta, New York, Houston, and who knows where else! I am recruiting for the dream team now so if you would like to be a part… let me know!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@bossyllc.com
- Website: www.bossyllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunchbosstx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrunchBossTX
Image Credits
@destanimichelephotography, @facedbymadison, @bossybeat, @ksmshotyou, and @brunchbosstx
